For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified(A) by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. Therefore don’t judge(B) anything prematurely, before the Lord comes,(C) who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.(D)

The Apostles’ Example of Humility

Now, brothers,(E) I have applied these things to myself and Apollos(F) for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.”[a] The purpose is that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over another.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 4:6 The words in quotation marks could = the OT, a Jewish maxim, or a popular proverb.

My conscience(A) is clear, but that does not make me innocent.(B) It is the Lord who judges me.(C) Therefore judge nothing(D) before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes.(E) He will bring to light(F) what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.(G)

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.”(H) Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.(I)

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